How to know if you’ve been bitten by a dengue mosquito: 5 facts about the Aedes aegypti mosquito

Dengue fever is transmitted to people through the bite of an Aedes species mosquito infected with a dengue virus. Here's how to know if you've been bitten by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

How to know if you’ve been bitten by a dengue mosquito: 5 facts about the Aedes aegypti mosquito&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspGetty Images

Key Highlights

Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with a flu or other viral infections that cause fever, body aches and pains, or a rash

Dengue is transmitted to people through the bite of an Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito infected with a dengue virus

Here's all you need to know about the Aedes aegypti mosquito

New Delhi: Dengue, also known as ‘breakbone fever’ or ‘dandy fever’, has become one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world. The condition, which is quite common during the monsoon season, causes a flu-like illness. Hence, mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with flu or other viral infections that cause fever, body aches and pains, or a rash.

Dengue fever is transmitted to people through the bite of an Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito infected with a dengue virus. When the mosquito bites a person with dengue virus in their blood, it becomes infected, spreading the disease directly from one person to another. These mosquitoes also spread chikungunya, Zika and other viruses. Understanding the behaviour of these creatures and taking steps can help avoid getting afflicted with these diseases.

What you need to know about the Aedes aegypti mosquito

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the viruses causing dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These mosquitoes are active mostly two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset, hence, they primarily bite during the day - although they can bite at night in well-lit areas. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can bite you without being noticed as they approach from behind and bites on the ankles and elbows.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito prefers to bite indoors and primarily preys on humans. But it also bites dogs and other domestic animals.

It is claimed that a dengue mosquito bite is much redder and itchy compared to a normal mosquito bite.

Aedes aegypti prefers to breed in areas of stagnant water such as buckets, flower vases, tin cans, water bowls for pets, etc. However, wet shower floors and toilet tanks are considered the most dangerous areas as they allow mosquitoes to breed in the residence. These mosquitoes also prefer dark-coloured water containers located in the shade.

In colder climates, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes do not remain alive through the winter in the egg stage, as per the CDC.

In the absence of a cure or specific treatment for the disease, taking appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites - such as keeping the surroundings clean, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants (especially when outdoors), using safe and effective repellents - is the best way to prevent dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

So it is advisable to not allow any water (clean or otherwise) to get accumulated near your living surroundings. Wear long-sleeved and covering clothes and sleep with at least a thin blanket pulled over your body. Use mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out, use repellant sprays. Ensure rooms are well-ventilated. Make homes and offices mosquito-free.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

How to know if you’ve been bitten by a dengue mosquito: 5 facts about the Aedes aegypti mosquitoDescription:Dengue fever is transmitted to people through the bite of an Aedes species mosquito infected with a dengue virus. Here's how to know if you've been bitten by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.Salome Phelamei